Becoming a Phlebotomist in Missouri
Many people have seen a phlebotomist in action without knowing it. Every day, these skilled medical technicians draw blood from patients in doctors’ offices and hospitals. They also make sure that all blood samples are entered properly into facility databases. Unless these tasks are performed accurately and safely, the healthcare system could not function in reliable ways.
You’ll find phlebotomists working in healthcare facilities throughout Missouri. As compensation for their important contributions, they receive solid salaries. To work as a phlebotomist, you must master a variety of procedures. However, it doesn’t take that long to get the training you need and start your new career. Here’s how you can get yourself ready for employment in Missouri.
Getting Trained and Certified in Missouri
Missouri does not require phlebotomists to go through any specific training or certification program. Technically speaking, this means that you can just apply today for any open positions in your area. However, in reality this approach won’t work.
Why? When searching for new employees, doctors and hospitals have little interest in unskilled candidates. Instead, they expect anyone applying for a job to already know what they’re doing. To meet this expectation, you’re going to have to enter some kind of phlebotomy training program. And if you want to stand out from the crowd, the program you enter must provide its graduates with a well-respected certificate of completion.
Missouri Training Programs for Phlebotomists
Fortunately, Missouri has a number of solid options for phlebotomy training. Usually, training is only available to high school graduates and GED holders. Any given program may also require you to meet additional entry standards. The list of quality programs offered within state boundaries includes:
- The St. Louis School of Phlebotomy Basic and Advanced Programs – As its name indicates, the St. Louis School of Phlebotomy is dedicated to phlebotomy-related training. Its basic course is open to people with no prior experience. This course provides you with six weeks of classroom instruction. It also provides you with 40 hours of hands-on training with a local healthcare provider. The advanced program provides four weeks of additional training for experienced phlebotomists.
- The Kansas City School of Phlebotomy Basic and Advanced Programs – This institution is a sister school to the St. Louis School of Phlebotomy. It follows the same instruction model, with a seven-week beginner course and a four-week advanced course. Graduates receive certification from the institution. In addition, the training you receive will prepare you to get your national certificate from organizations like the National Phlebotomy Association.
- Franklin Technology Center Adult Education Phlebotomy Technician Program – This program is geared toward getting you ready for an entry-level phlebotomist position. It focuses on core skills such as drawing and labeling blood, using proper medical terminology and following all ethics and safety guidelines. The school certifies all program graduates. In addition, your coursework will prepare you to take the national certification exam offered by the National Center for Competency Testing, or NCCT. NCCT certificates are well-regarded in the healthcare industry.
How Much Can You Make as a Missouri Phlebotomist?
The annual salary average for phlebotomists working in Missouri is roughly $32,000. That’s about $3,000 below the typical salary for phlebotomists in all 50 states. Newcomers to the field tend to make considerably less than those who have worked for five years or longer.
Location can have a big impact on how much you earn in Missouri. Indeed.com reports that the highest phlebotomist salaries are found in Lee Summit, Mexico and St. Louis. On average, phlebotomists working in Kansas City, Springfield and Jefferson make considerably less money.
Job Prospects for Phlebotomists
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that America will add over 29,000 new phlebotomists to the workforce between 2018 and 2028. That’s the equivalent of about one additional position for every four in existence today. This high rate of growth means that Missouri will probably continue to provide plenty of employment options for well-trained phlebotomists.